Berengaria ~ Cunard’s "Happy Ship"
Les Streater
Tempus Publishing / 2001
Berengaria ~ Cunard’s "Happy Ship" is another title I bought ‘sight-unseen’ via the Internet. Considering the ‘transportation’ section of Moncton’s two only booksellers is somewhat weak (since when has a ‘tractor’ been considered ‘transportation’?) purchasing ‘on-line’ is the only viable option if I wish to continue to add to my nautical library.
Similar to Miller’s Picture History of the ss United States, this title was written with the armchair historian in mind. As a modeling reference, it is of limited value: no deck plans are provided (again, any book devoted to a single subject should contain deck plans), and the exterior photographs of the ship, of which there are many, are too ‘general / non-specific’ as to providing detailed information / visual clues. Although no plastic assembly kit exists of this fine vessel, the scratch-builder will need to search out more ‘technical specific’ sources to undertake a successful project.
For the serious historian, there is little that has not been presented elsewhere. The lack of ‘new material’ is perhaps the reason behind the exhaustive collection of menu covers, sailing schedules, baggage tags and concert programs that fill up many of the book’s 120 pages. One, or two, of each as a representative sample would have sufficed to capture the spirit of the age. What is presented, in my opinion, constitutes overkill. On the plus side, Berengaria’s interiors, all classes, are well represented by photographs.
All in all, this is an easy ‘rainy Sunday afternoon’ read, with only several glitches. The author’s description of the First Class public rooms abruptly jumps from page 21 to page 24. One must ‘backtrack’ from page 24 to page 22 to follow the presentation. Also, in the discussion of her interior appointments it is stated that for the First Class Restaurant, on F-Deck, the need for supporting pillars on the main floor area was eliminated by introduction of ‘external girders’ placed topside, between the two forward funnels. In fact, it was the roof of Social Hall on B-Deck above that was supported by this ‘shipboard’ structural system unique to Berengaria, not the restaurant. A through editorial review prior to publication would have caught these gaffs.
A final note regarding the overall presentation: it is slick, and colorful, with the front cover featuring an impressive rendering of Berengaria by Stephen Card. However, it is the back cover, in my opinion, that is worthy of note, as it features two evocative watercolor abstracts by Don Stoltenberg (USA), artist and regular DF contributor. It is unfortunate that at the time of writing, these samples of Don’s work are not available, as a limited edition print to collectors, as they are very powerful.
In summary, Berengaria ~ Cunard’s "Happy Ship" is a worthwhile addition to one’s nautical library. However, as a modeling reference (which, in all fairness, it was never intended to be), its potential does fall short of expectation. This publication, along with other nautical titles, is available on-line from www.nauticalmind.com.
Arjay ~ 11/03